There is no current public pathway to an adult Autism assessment, but it is still possible to receive one through private practice. In this section, you will find answers to some of the key queries about adult diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there are no public assessment teams dedicated to adult Autism diagnosis in Ireland.
Most adults who think they might be Autistic can only get an assessment privately. Most private psychologists in Ireland do not require a GP referral to access a psychological assessment for Autism. You can self-refer by contacting them directly. We advise that you undertake an assessment with a professional familiar with Autism in adults and who works in a respectful, neurodiversity affirmative way (i.e. that Autism is not seen as a problem to be fixed but a naturally occurring difference to be understood and celebrated).
It is advisable to talk to your GP first, and many private professionals require a GP referral. While your GP may only refer you to a private psychologist or psychiatrist, it is essential that they understand you and can see the demand for Autism assessments in Ireland and advocate for them appropriately. You will need to provide your GP with a precise list of why you think you might be Autistic, as they may still hold outdated ideas about Autism.
It’s important to remember that an Autism assessment for an adult is an exhaustive process to identify your neurotype, not a test you can pass or fail. Even if you aren’t recognised as Autistic, you will likely find answers during this process, whether it is a different neurodivergent condition such as ADHD or an anxiety condition with symptoms which resemble Autistic traits.
Some Autistic people choose to self-identify and don’t see the need to access an official diagnosis. This is valid and widely accepted within the Autistic community (particularly given how difficult it is to access a public assessment).
Some other people would like the opportunity to talk it all through with a professional and help get some clarity and understanding around themselves and their life experiences.
Going through the assessment process with the right psychologist can be very helpful and some people find it therapeutic. A significant benefit to accessing an official diagnosis is that it can help you access proper support and reasonable accommodations in college, the workplace, or in accessing disability benefits.
An adult Autism diagnosis must be made by a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The assessment can vary between professionals, but there are some things that you can expect.
All assessments will include in-depth interviews and information gathering about your life and how you view the world. You will likely meet with the psychologist/psychiatrist (online or in person) for one or more interviews to discuss your experiences. Meetings may involve discussing your life, background, and why you think you might be Autistic. You will discuss information from your past that you believe is relevant and describe how you experience the world.
Sometimes adults seeking a diagnosis don’t show undeniable Autistic traits, as they may have learned to ‘mask’ or camouflage them over the years. A good psychologist or psychiatrist with an up-to-date understanding of Autism and a neurodiversity affirmative approach will be able to understand the nuances of the Autistic experience.
Some professionals may request that a parent or other family member be involved in your assessment (by meeting with them or providing additional information). But this is not always required, and many will put your voice at the centre of the assessment. If you do not wish for a family member to be involved, you can look for a professional who does not require this.
Getting an assessment as an adult should be a collaborative and respectful process between you and the professional. While the psychologist/psychiatrist will be using the DSM-V diagnosis criteria in the background, it should look like two adults working together to see if Autism is the right fit for your experiences. If you do not feel that this is the process you will experience with a particular professional, you may need to look around for a different one.
*Please note: this page is currently under review and will be updated in due course*
Some private psychologists and psychiatrists provide once-off consultation sessions where you can meet with them to discuss your thoughts about Autism, ask questions, and explore whether a full Autism assessment is right for you.
When you are choosing a clinician, it may be helpful to ask the following:
1. What are their qualifications?
Currently in Ireland, the state does not regulate psychologists. CORU, Ireland’s health and social care regulator, is working on introducing regulations for the psychology profession, however this is not yet formalised.
You can check whether the clinician is a Chartered member of the PSI. The PSI is a professional body that upholds professional standards and high training quality by offering membership to psychologists who meet specific requirements. If you’re unsure, ask to see their PSI Chartered Membership Certificate.
2. Are they neurodiversity-affirmative?
The basis of neurodivergent-affirming care comes from the neurodiversity paradigm. The idea behind this paradigm is that neurodivergent conditions like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and others are normal variations in the human condition. It is helpful to be mindful of the language that the clinician uses in relation to Autism; neurodiversity-affirmative practitioners typically avoid terms that frame Autism as a “disorder” or illness. Instead, they highlight an Autistic person’s unique strengths and talk about “differences” rather than “impairments” or “deficits” that need treatment. They may acknowledge that Autistic people have different levels of support needs
3. What is the follow-up pathway of care following an assessment?
Ask the clinician what their assessment process looks like, and ask about their follow up supports, following the assessment.
This may include onward referral to other services, as required.
For further information, it may be helpful to review AsIAm’s language guide
If you wish to access an adult Autism assessment, and would like us to signpost you to some clinics that offer assessments, please contact our Autism Information Line:
- Phone: please contact on Monday – Thursday 10-3pm Call 0818 234 234
- Instant Messaging is available: Monday – Thursday 10-3pm
- Email: support@asiam.ie
